C.F. Martin & Co has announced the completion of two new books dedicated to the beloved instrument of millions of fans and famous players worldwide – the Martin guitar. The long-awaited second edition Martin Guitars: A History and Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference are officially set for publication in February 2009 in conjunction with Hal Leonard Publishing. Additionally, both books will be available as a collectible boxed-set, housed in a deluxe slipcase featuring the artwork of Robert F. Goetzl that was commissioned for Martin’s 175th anniversary celebration. Book release events will be held in New York, San Francisco and Martins’ headquarters in Nazareth, PA with details to be announced shortly.

Part of a two-book set, book one Martin Guitars: A History covers the people, the places, and the stories of a beloved American icon in a lavishly illustrated full-color, 220-page hardcover book. Beginning with the early days in New York circa 1833, this fabled story comes to life in the long-awaited revision of the seminal Martin History book. Originally published in 1987, this new edition is completely updated and redesigned by authors and industry experts Mike Longworth, Richard Johnston and Dick Boak. Having complete access to authorized archives, this version is the most accurate and detailed reference on the topic. Leading up to sixth-generation president Chris Martin IV, the revitalization of the 1990s and the remarkable sustenance of its legacy, hundreds of archival photographs and documents effectively show the people and the guitars that made the company famous.

Book two, Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference, provides detailed information on guitar bodies, necks, headstocks, bridges, woods, as well as chapters covering models by style, the Custom Shop and limited editions in a full color and black & white 304-page hardcover book. In-depth research on all the highly collectible and lesser known instruments such as Martin archtops, electrics, mandolins and ukuleles also is included. The book ends with comprehensive appendices covering production numbers, retail prices, and instrument specifications. Being the world’s most collectible acoustic guitar line, this book will undoubtedly be a highly sought after reference book by any collector or owner of a Martin. If you own a Martin, you own a piece of history and this book will help you discover when and how it was made. This officially authorized book will finally answer any questions on the stories behind some of the worlds rarest and most sought after instruments.

“These books represent the rich history of Martin guitars from the very beginning of our company,” commented Dick Boak. “The enduring quality of our instruments and Martin’s impeccable legacy are illuminated in both of these works and will have tremendous appeal to fans and players everywhere.”

Martin Guitars: A History will retail for $30, Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference will retail for $35 and the deluxe collectible boxed-set will retail for $70; all will be available for purchase nationwide, at fine book retailers and online.

About the Authors:

Mike Longworth (Chattanooga, TN) was a renaissance man in the truest sense of the word. During his nearly 30 years at C.F. Martin, he helped resurrect the legendary D-45, designed the popular D-41, assisted in the return of herringbone trim with the HD-28, answered thousands of letters from Martin owners and wrote the first reference book on Martin guitars. A revered member of the C. F. Martin & Co. family, he retired in 1995 and passed away in 2003 the age of 64. In 2005, C. F. Martin & Co. issued the D-45 Mike Longworth Commemorative Edition as a tribute to Mike Longworth’s many contributions.

Dick Boak (Nazareth, PA) is the Director of Artist & Public Relations for The Martin Guitar Company. He formed Martin’s Artist Relations Department and initiated more than one hundred Signature guitar collaborations with the top musical personalities of our time, including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Joan Baez, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

About Martin Guitar: Founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, C.F. Martin & Co. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument maker in the world and largest producer of acoustic guitars in the U.S., Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, many still using the design and techniques introduced by the company founder in the 1830s. The privately held manufacturer is highly regarded for creating some of the finest instruments and introducing innovations that have become industry standards in the music products industry including the now-standard x-bracing, 14-fret guitar and the “dreadnought” size. Current Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin, IV, took the helm of the company in 1986.